Johns Meadow Trail to Johns Meadow

Johns Meadow Trail to Johns Meadow is a 6.5 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Seven Oaks, California that features a great forest setting and is rated as moderate. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail.

DISTANCE

6.5 miles

ELEVATION GAIN

1,013 feet

ROUTE TYPE

Out & Back

dog friendly

birding

hiking

nature trips

trail running

walking

forest

This trail begins with a moderate rise (~400 ft) the first mile and is semi-flat the remaining 2.3 miles to John's Meadow campground. I say "semi-flat" because there are numerous elevation changes, but nothing sustained for more than a quarter mile or greater than 100 ft and most are short drops and rises of 10-20 ft as the trail navigates the contour of the side of a mountain, avoiding steep sections, large rocks, trees, etc. The defining quality of this hike is most of it is on the side of a mountain, which results in a narrow trail with smallish fixed rock and thus requires attention for about half the hike. It's the north face, so the vegetation is denser than other areas and there is even moss and ferns in some sections. Most of the views are of the peek-a-boo type, shrouded by trees, but in a few areas there are open vistas of the expansive green valley below and Big Bear mountains on the other side of the valley. Just before reaching John's Meadow the trail drops to Forsee Creek. Crossing the creek in August was not a problem, although it was clogged with wildflower and tall dense vegetation. Up the creek is a lovely rising valley framed by San Bernardino Peak in the background, which is part of a prominent mountain ridge that includes San Gorgonio. John's Meadow campground is no big deal. It's situated on a hillside with many tall trees standing and scattered logs and other debris from fallen trees on the ground -- it's not my picture of a meadow. I hiked out about a third the way with my wife and six-year-old daughter then continued on alone. I returned from the campground hiking pretty fast and even jogged some of the downhill sections for a return time of 51 minutes. If the distance is correct (3.25 miles each way), that's approx. 15-minute per mile, which is not too slow given the elevation and trail. Round-trip time was 2:05. Beside my family, I did not see another person this Saturday afternoon. While it was great to be in the mountains and nature, I rated this hike 3/5 because when I hike on the side of a mountain for a considerable distance I hope for more than limited views much of the way and because on an out-and-back of this length I hope for something worthwhile at the far end (e.g., waterfall, lake, outstanding view, summit, etc.).

Phillip B.

hiking

2 months ago

Exceptional trail! A lot of hard work went into creating and maintaining this trail. It’s a great way to spend a Saturday morning. The overall distance from the parking lot to the old campground and back was 8 Miles (according to my wife’s Fitbit).

came back a week and half later to do the whole hike. Brought my buddies with me, awesome hike only saw a hand full of people. The trail is beautiful all the way greenery! 3/11/18 there was still snow so that was awesome too.

This is a beautiful trail to hike/backpack. My husband and I continue to come back to this trail even after 20 yrs. It’s a great trail that starts slightly steep at the beginning and leaving the meadows. The rest of the trail has a gradual gain the rest of the way with some narrow areas(so watch your step.) A great all around trail to teach kids the ropes of hiking/backpacking and getting use to their gear, without it being too far back in the forest.. There are a few vista points to take in the view. The rangers recently did some work on the trail and the meadow does have a sign posted. The only disappointment was that that were signs of people not following the Leave No Trace...toilet tissue in plain sight. Please Beginners...take your trash out and keep nature clean for others. Overall, great trail.

It's a nice trail for backpackers because it the gain in elevation goes up gradually. Forsee Creek is lovely and the wilderness camp at John's Meadow has some nice, fairly flat clearings to pitch a tent.